Residents of Gaza Face Hardship Amid Frigid Winter Conditions

Gaza Municipality spokesman Hosni Muhanna has described the humanitarian situation facing displaced persons as “tragic.”

According to reports, residents are currently facing a humanitarian crisis, lacking essential resources such as heating, fuel, clothing, and blankets. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for sustainable solutions to enhance their living conditions.

Since October 7, 2023, civilians have endured ongoing hostilities in a conflict with Israel, characterized by severe military actions.

Tel Aviv has implemented a stringent blockade on the enclave, pushing the entire population within the territory to the brink of famine.

A severe cold front coupled with heavy rainfalls has exacerbated the plight of vulnerable civilians, forcing them to endure harsh conditions as they struggle to survive in deteriorating tents within displacement camps.

Local health authorities report that a minimum of seven individuals, among them six infants, have succumbed to freezing temperatures in Gaza over the past week.

In a statement to Anadolu, Muhanna highlighted the intensified hardships faced by displaced individuals due to the harsh winter conditions, noting that the rainwater not only drenches their possessions but also leaves them vulnerable to extreme cold.

Muhanna reported that the extensive damage inflicted on sewage and rainwater drainage systems by Israeli strikes is exacerbating conditions for displaced civilians.

“The Israeli military has demolished approximately 175,000 linear meters of sewage infrastructure along with 15,000 linear meters of rainwater systems, as it continues to enforce a blockade on fuel and electricity supplies,” he stated.

The situation has resulted in a deluge of sewage and rainwater inundating numerous homes and shelters, severely straining our capacity to manage the crisis due to inadequate equipment and essential materials. This challenge is further compounded by Israel’s refusal to permit the entry of necessary machinery and apparatus.

A spokesperson for the Palestinian authorities has issued a warning regarding the potential for flooding originating from the Sheikh Radwan rainwater collection site located in the northern region of Gaza City.

He warned that a humanitarian disaster could ensue if immediate supplies are not provided to restore the devastated pond facilities. The essential supplies include an electric generator, pump repairs, and the establishment of a water drainage line to the sea.

A Palestinian spokesperson announced that municipal authorities are operating with constrained resources in the face of what they described as Israel’s genocidal offensive in Gaza.

Muhanna emphasized the necessity for a genuine humanitarian approach to address the crisis in Gaza, stressing that it extends beyond short-term remedies and demands an immediate response to ensure a dignified existence for both the displaced and all local residents.

He issued a call for an urgent cessation of hostilities by Israel, the opening of Gaza’s border crossings, and the expedited delivery of relief and humanitarian assistance.

The Gaza Civil Defense Service reported on Wednesday that torrential rains over the last two days have flooded more than 1,542 tents sheltering displaced civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Despite a United Nations Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, the Israeli military has persisted in its aggressive operations in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, these actions have resulted in the deaths of nearly 45,600 individuals, predominantly women and children, as reports indicate.

In November, the International Criminal Court released arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is currently contending with a genocide lawsuit at the International Court of Justice related to its military operations in the enclave.